Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll which resulted in a runway excursion and nose-over event.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped stated that he felt that he lacked rudder authority during the takeoff roll which caused him to lose directional control. The airplane departed the left side of the runway surface and subsequently nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and right wing. A postaccident examination of the airplane’s rudder control system revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA21LA231 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 24, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Skaneateles, New York
- Nearest airport
- Skaneateles Aero Drome (6B9)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Luscombe 8A
- N-number
- N1331K
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1946
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.